Books and Authors
5-Stars for Hayson Manning’s “Winning the Boss’s Heart” – Book Review
Mason Christian has twelve weeks to flip something old into something new, and then he’s getting the hell out of Footsteps Bay – a tiny New Zealand coastal town. Not even his temporary secretary and personal assistant–the feisty, luscious Billie McLeod–will deter him, but there’s no denying she makes him feel alive. More alive than he’s felt in three years…My Review
With her second book, Winning the Boss’s Heart, Hayson Manning took us to her beautiful home country of New Zealand. Set in the bucolic coastal town of Footsteps Bay, Mason Christian hired Billie McLeod to work as his personal assistant on a project he hoped would be completed quickly.
Billie was a heroine who knew her own worth. After suffering some personal setbacks, she was saving money to finish her degree, and working for Mason seemed like the fastest way to earn the most money. She fearlessly challenged Mason and the sarcastic nicknames she created for him, were inspired. Nothing like treating the boss with the same impersonal disdain, as he treated his employees.
Mason was a deeply broken man, sublimating his emotions in his work and keeping people at arm’s length. As his feelings for Billie grew, he was forced to confront some painful events from his past. Little did Mason know that fate would intervene, to give him a compelling second chance at love story. Ms. Manning beautifully constructed and sensitively handled, Mason’s heartbreaking past.
Billie and Mason’s interactions ran the gamut of emotions from trepidation, to antagonism, to friendship, and finally, acceptance, and love. Lovingly meddlesome townsfolk and growing spicy, sexy action rounded out this terrific story.
With Wife in Name Only, Hayson Manning became a must-read author for me. After, Winning the Boss’s Heart, she became a must-preorder or must-1-click author for me. I highly recommend her books for well-developed characters, richly illustrated locations and secondary characters and multilayered storytelling,
Hayson Manning grew up in a small New Zealand town in a family of scientists and engineers Hayson was told firmly that her ‘day dreaming’ phase would end. Soon, she’d be entranced by the inner workings of the periodic table and be spellbound by quantum physics. But Hayson loved living in the lands she created. Oh, the creatures that stopped by. The princes and princesses, unicorns and Frank a friendly chain-smoking shark.
It soon became apparent Hayson wasn’t going to be awarded the Nobel Prize for services to the atom.
She conformed and has worked as a demon word processor, sliced ham in a delicatessen, sorted freight, pulled midnight shifts in a bank and counted baked bean cans in a stock-take. She never stopped dreaming of writing alpha dudes and sassy woman.
She’s lived in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, London, California and is now in Sydney. All she ever wanted to do was write fun and flirty people who aren’t perfect but will fight for that one person who will love them for who they are.
Represented by Nalini Akolekar of Spencerhill Associates, that dream has come true, writing for Entangled Publishing. She loves a good glass of wine, dreams of winning the lottery, cries while watching Antiques Roadshow and cannot speak she’s sobbing so much by the end of Undercover Boss. She is also an expert at finding new and inventive ways to avoid exercise.
Find out more about Hayson on her website, follow her on Twitter and like her Facebook page. She loves to hear from her fans.
Hermione Without Ron? Say It Ain’t So, J.K.
In teaser quotes from an interiew with Emma Watson, guest editor at Wonderland Magazine, J.K. Rowling admits to having wanted Hermione Granger to end up with Harry Potter, not Ron Weasley. (The issue will be available on Thursday.)
WHAT?!
As I read each book and the characters grew older, I found the pairing of Hermione and Ron to be inspired. As the primary character, Harry, was the obvious (boring) choice as leading man. I will admit to having imagined the two of them ending up together, but as the story progressed, the more compelling relationship was between Hermione and Ron.
It was a classic “opposites attract” story, imbedded in the “friends-to-lovers” theme. Ron allowed Hermione to let her hair down, have fun and relax her natural intensity, while Hermione’s confidence in Ron empowered him to grow up, and into his own man. It also allowed a ginger to be the romantic hero. Genius!
I thank whatever literary gods and the Universe for ensuring that Ms. Rowling, not only kept Ron alive, but made him into an awkward, albeit truly lovable, romantic hero. It was one of many different plot twists that made this series on of my favorites.
How do you feel about these new revelations?
5-Stars and 2 Snaps in Z-Formation for Avery Flynn’s “High-Heeled Wonder” – Book Review
Sylvie Bissette may be one of Harbor City’s youngest glitterati, but only her best friends know her most closely guarded secret. She’s the woman behind The High-Heeled Wonder, the newest must-read blog for fashionistas everywhere. Gossip, fashion advice, exposés. Too bad some people can’t take a little criticism. When an internet troll discovers her secret identity, Sylvie turns to security expert Tony Falcon for help. The investigator from the other side of the tracks is the olive oil to her Evian water, but it’s not just her temper he’s inciting…
Tony Falcon wouldn’t know a kitten heel from a tabby cat, but since most of the bad guys he tracks down aren’t wearing stilettos, it’s never been a problem…until he meets Sylvie. The feisty fashionista may be his best chance at catching the criminals responsible for his best friend’s murder. But solving that case means going after the people Sylvie cares about, and soon the attraction—and the danger—has him wondering if solving the case is worth hurting the woman he can’t stop fantasizing about …
When Sylvie’s stalker escalates from sending nasty e-mails to trying to run her over in broad daylight, Tony goes undercover as Sylvie’s boyfriend to infiltrate the close-knit fashion community. In a world full of overblown egos and cut-throat ambition, Tony and Sylvie must work together to find her revenge-obsessed stalker before Sylvie ends up with a literal knife in the back.
My Review:
Bogie Meets Gracie Lou Freebush and they “Make it Work”
Sylvie Bissette was the mastermind behind the popular, “High-Heeled Wonder,” a blog that exposed all of the fashion industry’s dirty little, and not so little, secrets. Her scoops garnered her huge a fan base, the ire of both a magazine’s editor-in-chief and a self-absorbed, talentless designer and her very own cyberstalker. This troll indicated he/she would stop at nothing to reveal Sylvie’s identity and take down her blog.
After a very public attempt on her life, she relented to having Tony Falcon, former cop turned security expert, pose as her boyfriend to discover who was threatening her. At the same time, he was trying to track down the criminals who killed his best friend. Tony, who never had a problem maintaining his distance from his charges, met his match in feisty Sylvie, who was determined to “help” with the investigation. As the threats against Sylvie escalated, so did Tony’s innate need to protect her. The more time they spent together, the more problematic their mutual attraction became. When they finally gave in to temptation, it culminated in a fully clothed, sultry exploration that only heightened their appetite for each other.
Clues were pieced together to deduce the identity of the perpetrator, while Sylvie and Tony continued to become close. He narrowed down the list of suspects. Unfortunately, that list included people Sylvie cared deeply for. Hell-bent on retribution, yet blinded by hurt, Tony uttered one of the most touching boy-loses-girl lines “You’re going to hate me later. You will and when you do, promise you’ll give me the chance to fix it,” as he broke Sylvie’s heart – along with his own.
Like a delightful visit to Imelda Marcos’ legendary shoe closet, High-heeled Wonder (A Killer Style Novel) (Entangled Ignite) took readers on a sexy, chick lit ride worthy of early Helen Fielding or Sophie Kinsella. Additionally, Avery Flynn added classic thriller plot twists, thrills and surprises. Her characters were multi-layered, balanced and intelligent. Sylvie was a fully developed, professional woman who overcame a tragic childhood and Tony was the wounded alpha, with a heart of gold, who needed her to begin to heal. A colorful and motley crew of secondary characters – their families, friends, and coworkers, provided further action, suspense and comic relief.
Both my inner fashionista and nerd girl appreciated the references to the fashion industry, as well as, the nod to Doctor Who and the gaming world. High-heeled Wonder (A Killer Style Novel) (Entangled Ignite) earns an old-school, Men on Film, two-snaps in Z-Formation and my recommendation as a great book to curl up with on a cold winter’s day. I look forward to Ms. Flynn’s next book.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Then purchased the book for my private library.
About the Author:
Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.
She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.
Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.
Find out more about Avery on her website, follow her on Twitter and Pinterest, and like her on her Facebook page. Also, if you figure out how to send Oreos through the Internet, she’ll be your best friend for life.
5-Stars for Robin Covington’s “Sweet Southern Betrayal” – Book Review
Privileged and ambitious attorney Teague Elliott is on the fast-track to getting everything he wants. All he has to do is stay on the straight and narrow and a high-profile political career is his for the taking. Until he wakes up naked with a Vegas showgirl…
Risa Clay has worked hard to put her showgirl past behind her and start fresh. But she owes ten grand to the wrong people, and to pay off her debt, she agrees to betray a stranger. . .but she ends up with a husband and guilty conscience.
My Review:
“Messy is where the good stuff lives.” ~ Risa Clay
Sweet Southern Betrayal: A Boys Are Back in Town Novel (Entangled Indulgence), the third book of Robin Covington’s “Boys are Back in Town” series, featured attorney, Teague Elliot. Known as a “fixer” among the elite power brokers of Washington D.C., he worked at one of the most prestigious firms and had political aspirations. He stayed away from anything he considered “messy,” like relationships. While attending his sister, Taylor’s wedding to his best friend, Lucky, in Las Vegas, he met redheaded bombshell, Risa Clay – his new showgirl wife. His showgirl wife who owned a side business selling tasteful “marital aids.” Not exactly the ideal woman for a man with dreams of living in the White House. Everything about Risa was “messy.” And personal. And amazing.
They agreed to keep their marriage a secret. Unfortunately, secrets have a way of taking on a life of their own, and soon Teague’s family, friends and colleagues found out about Risa. As beautiful as she was on the outside, Risa was even lovelier on the inside. She immediately tried to protect Teague from the possible repercussions of their Vegas nuptials, and knowingly placed herself directly in harm’s way.
At its core, Sweet Southern Betrayal was an “opposites attract” story, but as the layers were peeled away, we learned that both Risa and Teague were survivors. They saw the dreams they never believed could be realized, in and with, each other. It required that they to look past their set life plans, and into an unknown, unexpected and uncontrollable future. How they navigated it was beautifully crafted, through self-doubt, heartbreak, betrayal, forgiveness, and the possibility of love. In addition to some very steamy sex.
Many series have recurring characters that make cameo appearances, but Ms. Covington created a deep connection between the four friends – Teague, Lucky, Jack and Beck – that was itself another fully developed character. The men formed a bond in childhood that sustained them through personal and professional successes and failures. Ms. Covington took that circle of friendship and expanded it, as each man found love, and their family of friends grew.
While each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, I highly encourage readers to read A Night of Southern Comfort (The Boys are Back in Town Series) (Entangled Indulgence) and His Southern Temptation (The Boys are Back in Town Series) (Entangled Indulgence). Ms. Covington is writing Beck’s book and it promises to be as emotional, entertaining and hot, as the rest of the series.
Disclaimer: While I received an ARC of this book for an honest review, I purchased it for my “Boys are Back in Town” Collection.
About the Author:
Robin Covington, who NYT Best Selling authors, Robyn Carr and Carly Phillips, said was their new “auto-buy author”, writes sizzling hot contemporary and paranormal romance.
A Night of Southern Comfort, her best-selling debut novel was a 2012 finalist in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Awards, earned 4.5 stars and was touted by RT Book Reviews as bringing a “fresh, modern feel to the genre while still sticking to the things that get our adrenaline pumping — sex and danger”. When she’s not exploring the theme of fooling around and falling in love, she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Manganiello.
Robin is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Washington and Maryland Romance Writers, a faculty member at Romance University, a member of the Waterworld Mermaids, and a contributor to the Happy Ever After blog at USA Today. You can find Robin on her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter (@RobinCovington).
Robin lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, brilliant children, and ginormous puppies.
Do You Own Your Copyrights?
by Susan Spann
Last month, I kicked off a new #PubLaw guest series here at Writers in the Storm with a brief look at copyright law and the rights it covers.
When authors learn that copyright protection is automatic and attaches to qualifying works at the time of creation, many assume that means the author owns those copyrights.
How could I not own my copyrighted works? Many authors ask. I wrote them, so I own them. Right?
Usually, but not always.
Copyright law recognizes several types of copyrighted works which are not owned by the creator, or which are owned by the creator in partnership with another person or entity.
Let’s take a closer look:
1.The General Rule: creative works are owned by their creator.
As a general rule, ownership of copyrighted works, and all the related rights, belongs to the author or creator.
However, an author may license…
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Brave New Bullying: Goodreads Gangs, Amazon Attacks—What Are Writers to Do?
Kristen eloquently expresses how to handle cyber bullying, with an emphasis on how authors may protect themselves.
Today is a tad of a touchy subject, but in this New year, I want everyone to have a the greatest gift any of us can have…peace. Bullies, in my opinion, are among the lowest known existing lifeforms. I wouldn’t want to insult cockroaches and fleas by drawing a comparison.
Kristen’s History With Bullies
I grew up most of my life being bullied. I switched schools at least once a year and there was always a new gaggle of Mean Girls to make my daily life a veritable hell. I think this is why I grew to love books. I skipped school so much (to seek sanctuary at the public library), that I’m fairly certain I’m the reason for the current Texas truancy laws.
I couldn’t get out of bed. I became ill at the thought of even walking through the front doors of my school. I was poor and…
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So Long 2013, I’m Leaving You.
2013 was filled with lessons. I learned to listen to my inner voice and my true self more than ever. I also learned there were things that I was not meant to conquer. While I was temporarily upset, I ultimately felt elated. The weight was removed from my chest and I was able to breathe again. It was empowering. Sometimes the best lessons learned are those associated with loss. They may be painful, and show us parts of ourselves we may not be comfortable or satisfied with, but the mirror they hold up to us reflects reality, and helps us move forward. Grieve, for what was lost, if we must. Then grin, as we say, “Whew! Time to try something new.”
Books were my constant companions and led me to amazing friendships with readers, authors and bloggers. These authors’ words helped me through a year of personal and professional failure. They provided bright spots on bleak days and a few moments of escape, while I regrouped. I will be forever grateful.
My “daughters,” Kristen and Sammy, and I solidified our bond and I look forward to meeting them in a few short months. They are some of the strongest women I know and unbelievable examples of motherhood. I thank Julie Richman for writing the books that brought Kristen and Sammy into my life.
Hayson Manning’s books brought this sumptuous Kiwi goddess into my life. She has been an amazing Facebook pen pal, whom I hope to meet someday soon. We have a date on a beautiful island in the South Pacific to sip frosty beverages and ogle gorgeous, shirtless, alpha men. For research purposes, of course.
Julie Leto, whose work I have admired for many years, joined the ranks of independently published authors with her Dirty Dare novellas, which have recently been released as one novel Dirty Dare (Sexy Suspense Novel). She has been writing intelligent, strong female characters for many years and I highly recommend her work. (I hope I don’t lose my fangirl mind, when I meet her in 2014, for café con leche. I really have loved her, since the old Blaze days at Harlequin. And, I do mean old days.)
Military romances, a longtime passion of mine, also featured predominantly in 2013 and I read books by Heather Long, Tonya Burrows, Kelsie Leverich, Bella Juarez, Jeanette Murray Melissa Schroeder, Laura Kaye, Kaylea Cross, Cristin Harber, J.M. Madden, Tawny Weber and Ann Mayburn. Many featured Veterans finding, and keeping love, while dealing with the aftermath of their service, like PTSD and injuries sustained in combat. These women write with an understanding and deep respect for men and women in uniform and I am excited to read their offerings in 2014.
Towards the end of the year, I “discovered” Robin Covington, Avery Flynn and Kimberly Kincaid or the “Man Warriors.” I was drawn to their quick, yet snarky, senses of humor and began to read their books. I was not disappointed, as their characters reflected each one’s unique style and attention to character development.
My paranormal “jones” was satisfied by Shelly Laurenston, Rosanna Leo, Milly Taiden, R.E. Butler, Lauren Dane, Alexandra Ivy, Lauren Wright, Laura Kaye, Heather Long and Christine Warren. Wolves, big cats and bears…oh my! Last, but not least, were Gina Maxwell who made tough, tattooed MMA fighters lovable and Tymber Dalton, Joey W. Hill and Cherise Sinclair, who have known how to push my “envelope” just right, for years.
My other constant companions were Hubby and our K9 kids. They kept me sane, grounded and made me laugh when I could not and smile when I thought I would drown in my tears. I am blessed to have them in my life. Hubby, your gentleness, strength and patience knows no bounds. I love you more today, than the day I married you.
So 2013, I bid thee adieu. Don’t let the door hit you on the ass, on the way out. You will not be missed.
Why Hello, 2014…you’re a sexy beast. Sit right down here and let’s get to know each other, shall we?
Another Year. Another Birthday. Hell, Yeah!
Ponder this thought for a moment: middle age rocks. I speak of this from experience, as a member of the last generation to have a truly “innocent” childhood and adolescence.
I grew up during the Cold War, learned what GRID/HIV/AIDS was and how it was really transmitted, in middle and high school. I watched the Challenger accident happen live. I remember the launch of MTV, and when the “M” was synonymous with music, like the “US Festival” and “Live Aid.” “Lollapalooza” was a little known festival advertised on college radio that took place in an empty field in Orlando, which now houses another shopping center. Trips to New York City included a stop on the observation deck of the World Trade Center, as well as, dodging drug dealers and prostitutes on Broadway and 42nd Streets.
Some days I feel every bit of my age, as I reach for my bifocals to read menus or an article online. Often, however, I do not. I have been told consistently that I look about ten years younger than I am. I have no desire to pretend to be anything but 46. I earned each grey hair, extra pound and stiff joint and muscle. I have also earned the right to look back upon my life fondly, but choose to look forward with a renewed sense of adventure. I have no desire to be in my twenties, or thirties, again. Did you hear that Madison Avenue?
The best part about being in my mid-forties is the ability to say, “fuck it,” and mean it. I am not going to be an attorney, police officer or super-heroine, as I dreamed about in my youth. I am happy to know it and move on. Age brings wisdom, but also self-reflection and self-care. It is liberating, sexy, peaceful and joyful.
My goal is to help contemporary fiction authors realize they are missing a rich demographic by not writing about middle-aged characters, who are sexy, intelligent, independent, quirky and fully developed. After all, we have more disposable income to purchase books, and will, if we see ourselves reflected back. The beauty of self-publishing is that consumers, not publishing companies, are driving demand. I will be demanding more experienced characters, loudly. I am 46 today, hear me roar!
30 Days of Thanks – Day 21
I am grateful to everyone around me who has supported me through the life challenges I have faced, recently. They reminded me to embrace my creative side, as well as my practical, linear side. This will lead to one of the most exciting things I have done and bring me closer to my passion. It will require a leap of faith, but I am ready.
30 Days of Thanks – Day 13
Books, books, and more books! I am thankful that my parents inspired a love of reading early in my childhood and made trips to the library wonderful adventures. Recently, I have had the privilege of befriending several authors – both indie and traditional – and my love of reading has grown. May they find continued success!
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Reading, Drinking and Dancing with a Chaser of Snark 